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A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE - As a student, I’ve been told plenty of times that my main job is to focus on homework, study for exams, and prepare for “real life” later on. But the truth is, real life doesn’t start after graduation—it’s already happening all around us. The choices that adults make today—about schools, housing, transportation, and the environment—shape the world that my generation is living in right now. That’s why I believe students should write articles, and why I’m grateful to CityWatch for giving me, and students like me, a chance to share our voices.
At first, writing felt like something I only did because a teacher assigned it. You do the essay, you turn it in, and you move on. But when I started writing for an audience beyond the classroom, everything changed. Suddenly, my words had the power to reach people outside of my school—neighbors, community leaders, and even city officials. Writing became more than just an assignment. It became a way to speak up, to share what students are experiencing, and to show that we notice what’s happening around us.
Students bring a perspective that adults sometimes forget about. For example, when budgets get cut, students don’t just see numbers disappearing—we see programs vanish, class sizes grow, and teachers struggle. When bus routes change, it’s not just about policy—it’s about whether students can get to school safely and on time. When new buildings go up in a neighborhood, it’s not just development—it’s about whether families can still afford to live there. These aren’t distant, abstract issues for us. They’re part of our daily lives. That’s why student voices matter, and why we need to be part of the conversation.
That’s also why CityWatch deserves a thank you. A lot of media outlets don’t make space for student writers. It’s easy for people to dismiss young voices as “too inexperienced” or “not ready.” But CityWatch has opened its doors to students, showing us that our opinions aren’t just practice—they’re worth publishing and sharing with the wider community.
To me, that means a lot. It means that when I write, I’m not just talking into a void. I’m contributing to the civic conversation. I’m learning how to express myself, how to back up my arguments, and how to speak with respect—even when I disagree with something. CityWatch has made me feel like my words have weight, and that’s not something every student gets to experience.
Saying thank you might sound simple, but it’s important. Writing and publishing is a partnership—it’s not just about what I put on the page. It’s about the editors who take a chance on my words, the readers who take the time to listen, and the community that grows stronger when more voices are heard. Gratitude recognizes that we don’t do this alone, and that every platform, like CityWatch, plays a huge role in making sure students are seen and heard.
To other students, I would say this: don’t wait until you’re “older” to write. Start now. Write about what matters to you, whether it’s school lunches, climate change, or the bus stop down the street. Your words can open eyes, change perspectives, and even inspire action. And even if your first drafts aren’t perfect, that’s okay—writing is about learning and growing. Every time you share your voice, you get better at it, and you show the world that the next generation isn’t just watching from the sidelines.
So yes, I want to thank CityWatch—not just for publishing my work, but for showing students that our voices matter. Thank you for believing in us, for giving us a seat at the table, and for reminding the city that the future is already here. Because when students write, we’re not just preparing for tomorrow—we’re helping shape today.
(Shoshannah Kalaydjian is a Jewish student who writes about education, identity, and the challenges facing the next generation. Having witnessed firsthand how rising antisemitism impacts young people in classrooms and on campuses, she is committed to sharing the perspective of Jewish youth, amplifying student voices, and encouraging leaders to create safer, more inclusive environments for all students.)
